Queen's University Hockey Club
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Queens University Hockey Club Men's Section was formed at Queen's in the latter part of the nineteenth Century. The Belfast News Letter reported the Ulster Hockey Union AGM of 19 September 1898, and recorded that "a committee meeting was held afterwards when Queen's College Hockey Club was admitted to membership." Queen's was known as a 'College' until it was granted its Charter as a University in 1908.
Members are given a "years grace" in their playing career, to allow them to play one more season after they have left academic study at the University. In 2006-07 they play in Section 1 of the Ulster Senior League.
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[edit] Past
The club won the Irish Senior Cup (and Corken Cup) in 1972, for the second time in its history. The Irish Senior Cup was won again in 1981 when the team was captained by Peter McCabe, later of Lisnagarvey and included future Great Britain Olympic Gold Medal Winner Jimmy Kirkwood.
[edit] Playing Strength
The Club lives from year to year, with fortunes tied to the abilities of the new undergraduate intake each year. Sides vary from being 'useful' to 'formidable', the latter was demonstrated by the 1972 team which beat Monkstown 3-0 in the Irish Senior Cup Final. This side included Great Britain and Ireland International Terry Gregg and several other players that went on to gain International recognition.
[edit] Present
The present team has had some significant success, winning the Linden Cup in both 2005 and 2006. Being awarded the Queen's Team of the Year in 2006 has boasted the club considerably. However, recent League results in Senior 1 have been disappointing and the club is sitting near the bottom of the table, fighting for survival.
[edit] Future
The future of the club is only as good as the players that are eligible to play for the club, some seasons the club struggles to field a 2nd XI, others it could push for a 3rd XI. However, as long as the commitment and excellent facilities at Upper Malone continue to be taken forward, their should be a future for Queens University Hockey Club.
